City of Cockburn proceeding with staggered re-opening of facilities

Topics

LIBRARIES and sporting reserves are back in business, but Cockburn ARC fitness junkies will have to wait a week as the City of Cockburn begins to ease their COVID-19 restrictions.

The City are rolling out a staggered re-opening of attractions, with larger community facilities set to open next week.

While adhering to the 20-person social distancing limits, the City have staged a limited reopening of the its libraries, sporting reserves and youth centre today.

Cockburn’s Men’s Shed will open on Tuesday, with the Cockburn ARC and facilities such as community halls and centres to follow suit next Monday.

Barbecues, water fountains and public toilets will be ready to use by May 28.

Acting chief executive Daniel Arndt confirmed playgrounds and skate parks would not re-open until around mid-June, as determined by the State Government’s roadmap.

Mr Arndt asked for patience from the community as they began to re-open to the public.

“We are taking a cautious and considered approach to ensure safety for all and as such, some facilities will not open immediately as we work through those operational considerations,” he said.

“It will take up to two weeks to action some openings, as we make facilities and procedures safe for visitors and staff alike.

“The 100+ barbecues and 100+ drinking fountains will need to be made operational by licensed professionals. These tasks, and reopening all public toilets, is likely to take about a week.”

Mr Arndt said while he appreciated the appetite for the ARC to re-open, the City was intent on ensuring a good experience for returning users.

“While we have plans for cleaning regimes and signage ready for distancing and hygiene practices, there are practical considerations,” he said.

“Before we can operate the swimming pools, the water needs to be heated over a period of a week. The State Government Health Department then needs to declare that the pools meet appropriate standards, in the interest of public safety. “Certain services are also re-training staff to deliver new operational and public safety practices.”

Some facilities will only be available to members or by invitation, with most operating with limited service. A full list is available on the City’s website.